http://www.davidford.org/newsarchive.php Recent News Stories from David Ford MLA, Leader of the Alliance Party en-GB David Ford MLA, Leader of the Alliance Party http://www.davidford.org/ Prater Raines Ltd http://www.praterraines.co.uk/ (c) 2012 David Ford MLA, Leader of the Alliance Party 2012-02-10T15:05+00:00 United Kingdom http://www.davidford.org/news/000549/tribute_to_the_folks_on_the_hill_creator_and_political_satirist_sean_crummey.html Sean Crummey, political satirist who was best known for his television and radio show "the Folks on the Hill" died yesterday, I would like to extend my sympathies to Sean Crummey's families and friends. Sean was one of Northern Ireland's most popular and admired comics. 2011-11-14T10:50+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000547/congratulations_to_michael_d_higgins_as_hes_elected_president_of_ireland.html As he was set to be announced President of Ireland, I congratulated Michael D Higgins and told him that I looked forward to close co-operation with him. I also praised Mary McAleese on her successful time as President and wished her well for the future. 2011-10-29T12:05+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000548/northern_ireland_still_needs_an_independent_environmental_protection_agency.html Today in an Assembly adjournment debate on pollution at the Sixmilewater River, speaking as Alliance MLA for South Antrim, I re-emphasised my belief that there is the need for the creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency: 2011-10-18T17:15+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000546/highlighting_initative_to_give_schools_free_tickets_to_london_2012_olympic_games.html Schools right across the United Kingdom are being given the opportunity to get involved in a once in a lifetime event. As Assembly Member for South Antrim, I have written to the Principals of the schools in the constituency to make sure that they know about the London 2012 Ticketshare initiative. 2011-10-11T10:17+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000545/delivery_of_courses_more_important_than_the_building_at_antrim_campus.html Today I expressed my regrets that the Antrim campus of the Northern Regional College is to close. It is important to note that the key issue is maintaining frontline services, courses and the staff who deliver them to people in the area. I have spoken with a senior officer at the College who mentioned the provision of additional computers for Parkhall College to assist the delivery of courses there. 2011-09-12T16:30+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000543/supporting_police_action_on_flags_in_ballyclare.html Today I repeated my condemnation of those who rioted in Ballyclare on Saturday and I said that police officers acted entirely in accordance with the flags protocol. I said: "Last year, a number of flags were removed from the vicinity of two Ballyclare churches as a result of negotiation. This year, I understand that local police representatives had lengthy negotiations about the removal of both paramilitary flags and flags outside the Catholic church, but these negotiations were not successful. 2011-07-10T20:59+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000544/webb_and_ford_appalled_at_trouble_in_ballyclare.html Alliance Mayor of Newtownabbey Cllr Billy Webb and I have condemned the trouble in Ballyclare on Saturday night in which a number of vehicles were burned and six police officers were hurt. 2011-07-10T10:58+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000541/reaction_to_arson_attack_on_my_constituency_office.html Reacting to the news of the arson attack which happened overnight at his constituency office in Glengormley, I said: "This is a despicable attack on an office which provides an important service to the whole community. This was a cowardly and cynical attack. 2011-07-06T09:52+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000542/sir_oliver_napier__a_statesman_and_a_visionary.html This morning I paid tribute to Sir Oliver Napier who passed away today. Sir Oliver was a founder of Alliance, Leader of the Party from 1973 to 1984 and an Alliance Minister in the 1974 Stormont powersharing Executive. I said: "This is an extremely sad day for Northern Ireland. On behalf of the entire Alliance Party, I want to pass on deepest sympathies to Sir Oliver's family at this very difficult time. Oliver embodied the spirit of Alliance and he was the man who inspired me to join the party. 2011-07-02T11:20+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000540/ford_pays_tribute_to_brian_lenihan.html Alliance Leader David Ford has paid tribute to former Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan who has passed away at the age of 52, saying he was a very talented and popular person who will be very sadly missed. 2011-06-10T12:02+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000539/ford_pleased_david_camerons_speech_focused_on_shared_future.html Alliance Leader David Ford has said he is pleased that Prime Minister David Cameron, in his speech to the Assembly today, emphasised the need for a shared future and an end to segregation. 2011-06-09T15:01+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000538/assembly_spokesperson_team_announced_at_stormont.html This morning, I announced Alliance's new Assembly Spokesperson Team saying that Alliance will continue to deliver change in Government and right across the Assembly. 2011-05-31T11:10+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000537/billy_webb_is_elected_as_mayor_of_newtownabbey.html This evening, one of Alliance's councillors, Billy Webb, was elected Mayor of Newtownabbey. Billy represents the Macedon on Newtownabbey Borough Council. On hearing the news, I said: "I am absolutely delighted that Billy Webb has been elected Mayor of Newtownabbey. 2011-05-23T20:06+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000536/saddened_by_death_of_garret_fitzgerald.html Today I expressed my sadness at the death of former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald. 2011-05-19T09:42+00:00 http://www.davidford.org/news/000535/delighted_that_there_will_be_an_alliance_del_minister.html I am delighted that there will be Alliance Minister in the Department for Employment and Learning. 2011-05-13T20:10+00:00